Allegan fire chief suspended amid child porn investigation

The chief of the Allegan Fire District is now suspended amid a criminal investigation.

Andrew Krietz , WZZM4:06 PM. EDT November 01, 2016

Matt Gilles was appointed Allegan fire district chief in early September 2016. He was suspended wihtout pay Friday, Oct. 21, amid an investigation against him. (Photo: Allegan Fire District on Facebook)

ALLEGAN, MICH. - A criminal investigation involving child pornography is ongoing against an Allegan County fire chief, who has since been suspended without pay.

The Allegan fire district board learned Friday, Oct. 21, of the child porn investigation against chief Matt Gillies, according to Allegan Township supervisor Steve Schulz, who sits on the board. Other sources confirm to WZZM that Gillies' work computer and other computers at his home have been seized through a search warrant.

The investigation is expected to take at least until the end of the month and in the meantime, Gillies has been stripped of his pay and position, Schulz said.

Firefighter and officer Nick Brink will lead the department in the interim, Schulz said.

Matt Gilles was appointed Allegan fire district chief in early September 2016. He was suspended wihtout pay Friday, Oct. 21, amid an investigation against him.
(Photo: Allegan Fire District on Facebook)